What's here? at Forsinard Flows
Available on site
Forsinard Car Park (for Visitor Centre / Flows Lookout & Dubh Lochan Trail)
5 regular spaces and 2 Blue Badge spaces are available in the tarmac-surfaced car park shared with the railway station at the visitor centre.
An additional 12 spaces on a gravel surface (including two larger spaces for campervans) is also available. No overnight parking.
Forsinain Car Park (for Forsinain Trail)
Car park is a mixed tarmac/gravel surface without designated spaces, 5 miles (7 km) north of the visitor centre.
Overnight parking permitted for up to 24 hours. Cycle racks for up to six bikes at the visitor centre. No height restriction
Situated in the visitor centre. Please be aware that this toilet may not be suitable for all access needs. please get in touch with us in advance if you need to check suitability.
Situated in the visitor centre.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
Unfortunately due to the nature of the peatlands, our two trails aren't accessible to people of all abilities.
However the Dubh-lochain Trail boardwalk provides reasonably easy access for a wide range of people.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
Unfortunately due to the nature of the peatlands, our two trails aren't accessible to people of all abilities.
However the Dubh-lochain Trail boardwalk provides reasonably easy access for a wide range of people.
Situated in the visitor centre
Open 7 days 9am - 5pm April - October
Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm November - March
The reserve visitor centre and toilets are located in the old railway station building at Forsinard next to the level crossing.
Please note, our visitor centre is not routinely staffed. In the summer (April-October) it is open 7 Days a week from 9am-5pm. In winter (November – March) the visitor centre is only open Monday-Friday from 10am-2pm.
The Flows Viewing Tower and nature trails are open all year. Festive opening times.
The Flows Field Centre is located north of the Visitor Centre and contains the reserve office and education room; it is not open to day visitors.
Groups wishing to visit the reserve should contact the reserve office in advance.
Tea and coffee are available from a machine in the reserve visitor centre. The privately run Forsinard Lodge Tearoom can be found 1lm north of the reserve visitor centre at Forsinard Lodge (opening times vary with the time of year). Visit their website www.forsinardlodge.com/tea-room for further details.
There are two picnic benches at Forsinard for people looking to enjoy their packed lunch or a snack in the fresh air. The picnic tables are accessed via a gravel slope with a medium gradient. the tables are on an uneven grass surface.
Binocular Hire
Currently there are no scheduled guided walks on the reserve, however events are run each year and advertised locally. There are two self-guided nature trails (Forsinain Trail & Dubh Lochains Trail). Contact the reserve in advance of your visit for the latest details.
The Flows Lookout gives a unique perspective of the pool system on our Dubh Lochan Trail, as well as great views out over the surrounding landscape.
While it is possible (with time, patience and some good luck!) to see birds and other wildlife from the tower, it is designed to allow visitors a different perspective of the peatland landscape.
It is accessed via a boardwalk with undulation and side camber. The tower itself has two viewing platforms, one is accessed via a shallow ramp and the other is via two flights of stairs.
The Dubh Lochains Trail is a mile long and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. It is relatively easy walking, with a new boardwalk that allows a broad range of people to access the Flows Lookout.
Please note there is no rim or railing on the boardwalk so care should be taken when using pushchairs or wheelchairs.
For a longer walk, the Forsinain Trail starts at a roadside car park four miles north of Forsinard. Allow two to three hours for the four mile walk.
Visitors are requested to stay on the trails in order to prevent damage to this fragile habitat. At all times of year visitors should be prepared for changeable weather conditions with appropriate footwear and waterproofs.
The Flows Field Centre includes an education room, field laboratory and bunkroom accommodation for educational groups and groups of volunteers.
These facilities are non-commercial and available to educational, research or volunteer groups only.
There are a number of private accommodation providers in the area who cater for other visitors and we would be more than happy to pass on their details.
Please give the reserve office a call to discuss possible visits and our field teaching program.
Group booking information:
It is possible to arrange group visits to the reserve. Please contact the reserve office in advance of your visit to discuss your requirements and we will try our best to accommodate your group.
Be aware that it is not always possible to provide a member of staff or volunteer for ad-hoc guided walks.
Not available on site
BBQs and campfires can be dangerous in this landscape, especially during periods of High Fire Risk. They can endanger other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Restrictions
Dogs are allowed on the reserve if kept on a short lead or under close control. Please keep your dog under proper control at all times.
This is especially important during the ground nesting bird breeding season (April to July), so that birds are not disturbed, or nests damaged.
The short Viewpoint Trail at Forsinain is a good place to exercise your dog without disturbing the wildlife or bog pools on the two main nature trails.
Please remember to bag and bin dog poo! Drinking water is available at the visitor centre for dogs.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
Drinking water is available at the visitor centre for dogs (Only assistance dogs should be taken inside the centre).